// PC GAMER — GAMING
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta dates: How to sign up for both MW4 beta weekends
Everything you'll want to know about both MW4 beta weekends.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
You can't regularly queue up for combat until October, but a series of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 betas are a chance to try one upcoming campaign mission and several multiplayer maps before launch. Trying to decipher what happens when and how to register is super convoluted, so here's an info drop on the MW4 beta dates and what you'll need to get started.
You've got two options for jumping into the MW4 beta: If you pre-order the game you can participate in the first round (early access beta), or you can wait and play for free in the second (open beta).
The MW4 early access beta begins on Friday, August 21 at 11 am PDT, and ends on the following Tuesday, August 25 at 10 am PDT. Here are the times across regions on August 21:
The MW4 open beta begins on Friday, August 28 at 10 am PDT, and ends on the following Tuesday, September 1 at 10 am PDT. Here are the times across regions on August 28:
Some players need a MW4 beta code to participate in the early access weekend starting on August 21, but it all depends on how you've pre-ordered. The second period on August 28 doesn't require a purchase; it's open to anyone on Steam, Battle.net, or consoles.
The MW4 open beta weekend on August 28 does not require a pre-order or beta code to participate. Anyone can download the open beta build on any platform.
Pre-orders are the only way to guarantee you get into the early access beta, but I've spotted MW4 beta code giveaways around places like Reddit and most social platforms. The Call of Duty: Next Showcase also notes it's hosting code giveaways—that starts at 9 am PDT on August 21, and you can watch it on YouTube.
Most maps and modes are available in both MW4 betas, but features like Combat Outpost aren't available until the second weekend. A couple of maps are also limited to just one weekend, so I've put together those key differences in a table for reference